Morocco's Cannabis Industry: A Global Leader
Morocco has established itself as the largest producer of cannabis globally, a status that was officially recognized following the legalization of the crop in 2022. Since then, the cannabis industry in Morocco has experienced remarkable growth, marked by significant increases in both production and export capabilities. By 2025, the kingdom produced 2,000 tons of legal cannabis, a 4% increase from the previous year, highlighting the industry's robust expansion.
Initially, the cultivation of cannabis was restricted to three northern regions of Morocco. However, the landscape has changed dramatically since legalization, with 4,000 new cultivation permits issued in just one year. Currently, over 3,000 hectares are cultivated legally, and numerous industrial units are dedicated to transforming raw cannabis into various products, including dietary supplements, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. In addition to the local cannabis varieties known as "beldia," new imported strains are also being cultivated to meet rising demand.
Growth Metrics and Future Outlook
In 2025 alone, 110 new cannabis-derived products were introduced, bringing the total number of cannabis products manufactured in Morocco to 141. These products are primarily exported to seven countries, including France, Switzerland, and even as far as Australia. The Moroccan authorities have ambitious plans, aiming to capture 10-15% of the European cannabis market by 2024, which translates to an anticipated revenue of approximately 240 million euros.
Despite the legal industry flourishing, Morocco continues to be a significant source of illegal cannabis worldwide. Substantial quantities are smuggled across borders, particularly to Algeria, and sent to European markets, notably Spain and France. In a recent incident, Spanish police uncovered a tunnel connecting Morocco to the enclave of Melilla, used by drug traffickers, raising questions about potential complicity among local authorities.
The cultivation of both legal and illegal cannabis supports thousands of families in northern Morocco, underscoring the complex realities of a region that has become synonymous with cannabis production.
As reported by tsa-algerie.com.
